Chicago weather: Temperatures on the rise; OEMC warns heat dangers

Kids sit under a cascade of water in the Crown Fountain at Millennium Park Wednesday, July 20, 2011 in Chicago [FILE]. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

July 17, 2013 3:03:01 AM PDT

By Theresa Gutierrez and Michelle Gallardo

July 16, 2013 (CHICAGO) --

City officials warn Chicago residents to take precautions against the hot and humid weather as temperatures climb into the 90s through the end of the week.

No heat advisories or warnings have been issued as of Tuesday afternoon. However, with temperatures surpassing 90 and a heat index of more than 100 degrees, city officials released a statement encouraging residents to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke -- both of which can be the result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

With temperatures soaring into the nineties, this is hardly ideal running weather. But at U.S. Cellular Field Tuesday night, more than 600 runners defied the heat to raise money for the fight against ALS.

"I've been hydrating all day. I told my sister to hydrate. That's the key on a day like today. Take it easy, don't overdo it and you should be ok," said runner David Barrett.

Mindful of the conditions organizers doubled up on water and encouraged athletes to hydrate in advance of the 5k race.

"Our water stops are double-sided so runners can get it on the way out and back in. We have first aid stations set up inside U.S. Cellular Field and we have a cooling station in case runners need to get out of the heat," said Kim McIver, Les Turner ALS Foundation.

From North Avenue Beach where thousands flocked in search of a lakefront breeze to local park district pools, Chicagoans everywhere searched for ways to beat the heat.

"Here's the week ahead," ABC7 Meteorologist Mike Caplan said. "Hot, followed by hotter. Then on Friday, this is the day we've got a coldfront coming into the area."

When heat exposure occurs over a substantial amount of time it can lead to heat stroke, which is when the body loses the ability to regulate itself. Heat stroke typically includes an extremely high body temperature, dizziness and nausea, and a throbbing headache, as well as skin that is red, hot and dry.

One way to reduce or avoid the risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is to drink plenty of fluids, like water.

Though heat exposure is more serious than heat exhaustion, both require immediate attention. Children and elderly people are the most at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you have these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Then move safely into a cool place and drink water.

Take steps to keep families, neighbors and pets cool and comfortable. The city released these tips to stay cool:

Call 311 for a Cooling center near you, which are located within the six Community Service Centers operated by the Department of Family Support Services (DFSS). The centers are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Contact local Chicago Park District facilities to find out about beach and park hours and programs.

Be a good neighbor and check on seniors or the disabled during extreme heat, or call 311 to request well-being checks and rides to cooling centers.

Remember to never leave dogs in parked vehicles ? even in moderate heat it can be harmful and quickly escalate to fatal results. Be sure to keep your pets hydrated as well. If you see an animal in a parked vehicle, report it to 311.

The public can obtain more information about extreme weather preparedness by visiting alertchicago.org . Residents are also encouraged to sign up to receive free weather alert notifications via text or email at notifychicago.org .